Fairytale South African Wedding In Suzanne Neville Gown
❤️ The TWC Effect – Our brides, their way ❤️
Kathryn and James celebrated their love with a gorgeously romantic get away for them and their nearest and dearest, a 5 day long treat in sunny South Africa that sounds and looks absolutely incredible! Join us for a snoop into their love story here…
How did you meet?
We met in Grand Cayman while both working here in 2017. We now call it home.
Was it love at first sight?
Honestly no, James was extremely shy and I was (still am) a little wild! So it did take some time and several dates before we saw a romantic spark.
Who proposed and how? Lovely details, please!
When we first met I went on a trip to England to visit my mum and while shopping in a very expensive shop I asked the man in the store “What is the biggest Diamond engagement ring you have please?” he came out with a 7crt Oval diamond and I took a photo and sent it to my at the time new boyfriend James and said “One Day?”.
To my surprise, he replied saying “If I can ever afford to buy you that ring I will marry you”. Roll on 7 years later and we were visiting his family in South Africa and he took me aside just before a family meal and said “Ok I have two things to tell you and one thing to ask” ….So he said “I have just phoned your mum but she said she was to busy to talk as she was at work but I really needed to ask her for your hand in marriage and now its awkward…” I laughed as it was said in such an awkward way, then he said “and secondly do you remember this photo?” pulling out a photo of the ring from 2017 that I had sent to him!
I then started crying and said yes I do remember and so just like that very awkwardly but casually he said “Well is it a yes then? Will you marry me as I can now afford to get the exact ring you want?” I said yes and we went out with all of his family to celebrate.
Halfway through my Mum calls and says “Oh everything okay? James called me earlier and said it was really important but I was busy so what’s up? ” We then shared the news with her and she cried also. It was funny, awkward but romantic and I loved it and I love my ring!
Did you have a theme for your wedding? How did it come about?
We didn’t have a theme, more a style/vibe and that was A Fairytale. All I wanted was for people to have not only the best week but also say what an amazing holiday and wedding it was. I think we definitely achieved that.
Location and how you found it?
We got married at Prana Lodge in South Africa on the Eastern Cape and that is where we were staying when James proposed on the 21.12.2022, we got married at that venue on 21.12.2023. So it was really special to us.
How did you find The Wedding Club? Tell us about that moment when you found and chose your dress – how did it make you feel when you put it on for the first time?
I really wanted something very classic and chic, I knew I didn’t want anything without straps or sleeves and no sparkly or lace so I started looking at designers like Suzanne Nevile with the classic style of dresses that I was looking for. I researched places that had her stock and came to The Wedding Club, where a couple of my friends had previously used so decided to give them a call.
I told Sophia at TWC exactly what I was looking for and the first dress she picked out had arrived in the store that day and it was my dream dress. I felt like a princess and although I had tried a few after I knew it was the one.
Which designer did you wear?
Suzanne Neville
Where is the suit from? Why was it the perfect fit?
James got his suit from Paul Smith when we were in New York on a vacation.
Did you have speeches? Who performed them?
Yes both mine and James’ fathers passed away in recent years so his mother did a speech and my step father did a speech. Then James’ best Man Kevin and my Maid of Honour Taylor also gave speeches too. They were all a mix of emotion, laughter and love. lots of giggles and a few embarrassing drunk stories.
Did you have a first dance? What song did you choose and why? How was the performance?
Yes we did have a first dance but we wanted to share the moment with everyone so we asked everyone to find a partner and get on the dance floor with us. Then we blasted out Celebration by Kool & the Gang!
How was the party?
It was the best part, as soon as the meal was finished we had everyone up on the dance floor, as we had the venue exclusively we had all got to know the staff throughout the week so they were all up and dancing with us and partying. It was the best night and as it came to an end, everyone jumped into the swimming pool with their clothes on! Bridesmaids, my step father, family, the kids. A total blast!
Wedding planning advice for brides to be?
Just enjoy the planning as at times I struggled trying to make others happy. You must remember that not everyone will like or love everything. You and your partner need to know what is important to you before anyone else.
One moment you’ll never forget:
Our wedding was a 5 day celebration and each evening we did a different event. The first night was a big outdoor English style garden party with lawn games and cocktails and I arrived to see all of our guests for the first time. Nobody knew that I had actually got my mum’s wedding dress from 42 years ago when she married my dad and had it cleaned and resized and I wore it. The look on her face and other family members was so special and it felt like a tiny part of my dad was with me that night.
❤️
Dress – Suzanne Neville available at The Wedding Club Harvey Nichols
Hair & Makeup – Christabel Franklin
Bridesmaids Dresses – Chalk White
Wedding Planning – Megan Vandeberg
Venue – Prana Lodge
Photography – Stephanie Norman
Catering & Cake – Jaycee Ferreira
